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From 2011-2016, we had an inspiration blog featuring nurseries, baby showers, parties, and portraits that were submitted to us by photographers, designers, and parents. We no longer accept submissions or post new blog content, but we have left the archive here for those who have saved this content, or for new readers looking for inspiration.

Miguel's Navy and Gold Baptism Reception

As an event designer, Sofia Morgadinho of Awespiring Weddings and Design creates beautiful events on a regular basis. This elegant celebration was a little extra special, however, because it was her own son Miguel's baptism reception. She set such a lovely scene in a navy, gold, and ivory palette, with abundant florals and the perfect linens. Read on at the bottom of this post for all the planning and design details from Sofia, then stop by the full gallery for all the photos by Paula Scherr Photography.

"This baptism was quite special to me as I played a larger role than just an event planner; this celebration was for my son. When I had designed my oldest son's baptism a few years prior it was quite a soft palette, this time, I wanted it to be different. I chose a color palette that was a bit bolder but still fitting with the occasion and fit the little man's personality. The navy, gold, ivory and green tones felt regal but yet inviting and intimate for our close family and friends.

"The venue was a familiar one to our guests, which was one of the reasons we selected it, but it was also important for me to ensure the guests' experience was different. Guests arrived at the celebration to find glass cake domes with their names hand lettered. Under the dome was a mini cupcake with their assigned table number. During dinner they were serenaded by a family friend's guitar playing and singing.

"I did not want to room to feel heavy so I worked with the lighter tones as the large pieces in the room and added smaller details in the navy and teal coloring. Guest tables had beautiful overlays with a small touch of gold shimmer. Large white florals that were gifted to guests at the end of the celebration adorned each guest table. I enjoyed using my design skills to add some fun elements to the tables such as engraved vinyl menu and thank you cards alternating at each place setting.

"While the guest's tables were round, the table where the godparents and we sat at was rectangular and situated in the middle of the guests. In the middle lay a mirrored runner with a cluster of white and green florals as well as stemmed candlelight.

"One of my favorite elements was the cake designed and made by The Art of Cake. They completely understood my design for the room and took elements from the invitation and incorporated it into the cake. The cake was so stunning as it sat in between floral frames and in front of soft draping that would later become a backdrop for family to take photos."